Southstar Drug x Maxicare partnered for the first Run For Wellness event in Manila. Present during the event are: (From left to right) Host Rizza Diaz, Runrio President and Chief Executive Officer Rio Dela Cruz, Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. Chief Operating Officer Stanley Co, Southstar Drug General Manager Mariel Crisostomo, Maxicare Chairman Roberto Macasaet Jr.,  Department of Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. President and Chief Executive Officer Robina Gokongwei-Pe, Equicom Group Chairman Antonio Go, University of the Philippines Diliman Chancellor Edgardo Carlo Vistan II, Department of Health Public Relations Officer and Head Executive Assistant  Maria Liavel Badillo-Crisostomo, Maxicare President and Chief Executive Officer Christian Argos, Host Vince Velasco

4 Simple Ways to Improve Your Health and Live Your Best Life

Being healthy and feeling good is not just about hitting the gym or eating your veggies. It’s also about finding the right balance in the things shaping your life, including your mental health, interpersonal relationships, and the aspirations that push you to continue moving forward every day.

If you’re looking to start taking care of yourself more holistically, here are some habits you can give a shot. Take these small steps today on your way to living your best life.

Be more mindful of what you eat

The food you eat fuels you to take on your roles every day, may it be at home, the workplace or your community. As such, it’s important to make sure that whatever you eat and drink is good for your body. There are 101 ways to incorporate whole and nutrient-rich foods like fruits and vegetables as well as good sources of protein and fats in your meals without making them “boring” or repetitive. You can still enjoy a good, hearty meal without the guilt while being creative and resourceful with your ingredients.

Redefine self-care

It’s time to stop equating self-care to just pampering and indulgence, and relate it to ways that one can improve their well-being and cope with the stresses of everyday life. For example, in order to have adequate and quality sleep every night, you might need the right pillows or sheets, a 5-step bedtime routine or essential oils—you can consider that as self-care. Going out with friends or even just yourself to unwind is another form of self-care that isn’t talked about just as much.

Learn to manage stress

Undeniably, life can be stressful at times. And while we cannot avoid it, there are many ways to alleviate stress, which can also manifest physically when not managed. Remember, it’s okay to take a break when you feel like you need one! Meditating and practicing mindfulness regularly allow you to stay in the present and to learn to reduce negative emotions amidst stressful situations. Having an outlet like a journal or a creative hobby is also a healthy way to destress from a long day.

Stay active

One of the most effective (and free) ways to get an endorphin rush is through exercise. Endorphins are a feel-good hormone that helps you reduce stress, relieve pain, and improve your mood. Aside from making you feel good, being physically active allows you to manage your weight, minimize health risks, and make your body stronger.

Exercising doesn’t have to be a burden. If going to the gym is not for you, there are other ways you can try that can cater to your personal preferences and routine just like running. Running is one of the best cardio exercises you can do and it’s very easy to add to your daily routine. Whether it’s indoors using a treadmill or outdoors around your neighborhood, its benefits to your physical and mental health are unprecedented.

Runners and participants kick off the first Run for Wellness event in Manila at the University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City.

To embrace the first step in their journey toward their best life, over 5,300 participants composed of seasoned runners, beginners, kids, families, and people from various backgrounds gathered at the starting line of Run for Wellness last August 13, 2023 at UP Diliman, Quezon City. This event was held jointly by Southstar Drug and Maxicare to kick off their pioneering wellness initiative.

Run for Wellness, now in its 12th year, aims to promote physical health and mental well-being among Filipinos. This was the first time Run for Wellness featured a Metro Manila leg in addition to the traditional location in Naga City, Camarines Sur, which is scheduled for September 10, 2023.

Southstar Drug and Maxicare, as champions of health and wellness, have partnered to support consumers in their journey toward a healthier and happier life. By offering an extensive selection of health essentials and world-class health services, they aim to be reliable companions, "Kasama sa Best Life," for Filipinos.

Visit southstardrug.com.ph and maxicare.com.ph to know more.

Linya-Linya Land 2023

Linya-Linya to launch community-driven advocacy “Tulong-Tulong” at Linya-Linya Land 2023

Aside from showcasing music, comedy, and arts at the multi-format festival, the witty t-shirt and content creation company aims to provide a platform for their partner organizations to educate the public about their advocacies and causes

Along with the country’s top musicians, comedians, and artists, Linya-Linya will be bringing its partner organizations to Linya-Linya Land 2023 where they will be given a space to inform and educate the public about their causes, get donations for their beneficiaries, and recruit volunteers for their projects.

Best known for its witty and punny Filipino lines on shirts and content, Linya-Linya has long been doing its part to put smiles on its partner organizations through “Tulong-Tulong,” a program for all of the brand’s outreach efforts. Currently, Linya-Linya partners with several organizations that cover advocacy on education, equality, and animal welfare, including: AHA! Learning Center, Angat Buhay Foundation, Mindanao Pride, Love Yourself PH, and Pawssion Project.

Through selling of select shirts and other merch, Linya-Linya is able to provide funds and awareness to help the said organizations. Linya-Linya’s Creative Director Ali Sangalang explains the importance of extending a helping hand to amplify the messaging of the cause. “Bilang mga Pilipinong humaharap sa iba’t ibang hamon sa panahon ngayon, mahalaga ang tulong. Pero ang totoo, mas malakas at mas epektibo kapag tulong-tulong tayo.”

Tulong-Tulong started at the height of the pandemic, during the time when frontliners and families-at-risk were in need of medical-grade supplies. To extend help, portions of the sales of selected Linya-Linya shirts were donated to Frontline Feeders PH, AHA! Learning Center, and Life Cycles PH. 

With the success of this simple gesture to help the people in need amidst the pandemic, Linya-Linya strengthens the initiative by giving shirts to students, mothers, and teachers from AHA! Learning Center and helped in renovating the Angat Buhay Community Learning Hub in Area 17, UP Campus, Quezon City.

A group picture of the students, mothers, and teachers from Angat Buhay Community Learning Hub in Area 17

 

A group picture of kids and teachers from AHA! Learning Center in Tondo.

Apart from these, the shirt company will also be bringing Bantayog ng mga Bayani Foundation as a new partner– a non-stock, non-profit organization that aims to educate the Filipino nation and spread awareness in maintaining democracy, ensuring justice, and always in pursuit of truth.

Celebrating Filipino talent and supporting local artists has been a part of Linya-Linya’s advocacies. Alongside the celebration of these collaborations, attendees are up for a special treat as Linya-Linya launches new limited edition shirts in collaboration with “Bawat Daan” singer Ebe Dancel and the classic and iconic comic artist Pol Medina, Jr. 

(From left to right) The upcoming limited edition “Hari ng Sablay” collab shirt with Ebe Dancel; The upcoming limited edition “May the PORK be with you” collab shirt with Pol Medina, Jr.

Aside from the performances and other activities at the event, the shirt company will hold a Super Sale where attendees can avail shirts and other merch for as low as P188. 

Linya-Linya Land 2023 will be happening on August 26, 2023 at 123 Block in Mandaluyong City. Presented by Linya-Linya and GNN Entertainment Productions, the annual event takes hilarious puns to an exciting new level with its showcase of multi-format headliners that aim to create an integrated experience for the community and the fans.

This year’s edition marks an impactful comeback with a lineup featuring some of the most notable names in music, comedy, and art. Filipino singer-songwriters and bands Ebe Dancel, Johnoy Danao, Nica Del Rosario, Cheats, Autotelic, and DJ Ayel lead the bill, alongside standup comedians Victor Anastacio, Nonong Ballinan, GB Labrador, James Caraan, and Jeleen Cubillas. Completing the non-performing headliners are some of the most acclaimed and established talents in Philippine art: Manix Abrera, Rob Cham, and Pol Medina Jr., whose work will be exhibited at the ‘art’ market; and muralists/illustrators Panch Alvarez and AG Saño, who will be bringing uniquely infused art experiences to life.

Tickets are available online at bit.ly/linyalinyaland23. Ticket charges apply. For more information about the event, visit Linya-Linya’s social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Nestlé Philippines and Quezon City Local Government kick off family-centric festival in QC

Experts share nutrition, wellness tips to thousands of Filipinos for a healthy, happy life

Nestlé Philippines, the Kasambuhay for Good and family wellness partner of Filipinos, kicked off its Family Wellness Festival at the Quezon Memorial Circle with the goal of educating thousands of families about good nutrition for a healthier, happier life. The whole-day festival is expected to welcome 4,000 QCitizens and residents from nearby cities who pre-registered online at Barangaynestle.com.ph

The Family Wellness Festival is a fun, family-centric event and is one of Nestlé Philippines’ activities to mark Nutrition Month this July. In support of this year’s theme, “Healthy diet gawing affordable for all,” Nestlé Philippines remains committed to making good nutrition affordable and accessible with siksik sa sustansiya at abot-kayang food and beverage products that are fortified with essential vitamins and minerals for every member of the family. 

In addition, the festival focuses on the sharing of health and wellness learnings and tips that Filipinos can easily apply and practice at home. Different members of the family joined the fun games and exciting activities.

What’s more, festival-goers were able to avail of personalized nutrition consultations from Registered Nutritionists-Dietitians for free. They also received freebies by exchanging empty sachets and tetra packs of Nestlé products during the event. This is in line with the company’s 3Rs advocacy to engage more Filipinos to Reuse, Reduce and Recycle plastic waste and become part of the movement for environmental sustainability. Aside from promos and discounts, Nestlé products and special prizes were raffled off throughout the day.

“We at Nestlé Philippines believe that good nutrition starts at home. We are bringing the Family Wellness Festival closer to communities as we strive to provide QCitizens with the right information and tips that can help them improve their health and wellness,” said Joey Uy III, Senior Vice President and Head of Corporate Affairs of Nestlé Philippine

Quezon City officials together with Nestlé Philippines officially opened the start of the Family Wellness Festival via a ribbon cutting ceremony

Partnering with organizations that share similar goals as their ongoing nutrition programs will better inform and encourage QCitizens to prioritize their family’s well-being.

"We strive to provide our QCitizens all the support they need to have a  healthy mind and body to make them productive, free from ailments and able to live longer. Karapatan ng bawat mamamayan ang mabuting  kalusugan. But the local government cannot do it alone. We need the support of the private sector to augment our efforts," Mayor Joy Belmonte said.

Insights on nutrition, urban gardening, 3Rs

Nestlé Philippines invited experts from its partner organizations to share their insights on key topics that touch on the overall wellness of individuals, families, and the planet. The Department of Science and Technology – Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) talked about its latest research on the state of nutrition of Filipinos, while the Department of Agriculture shared tips on starting your own veggie garden based on its Food Always in the Home (FAITH) program. This was followed by a cooking demo to further promote sarap-sustansya meals for the family. A representative from non-profit organization Pure Oceans then gave a talk, together with a representative from GMA Sparkle, about caring for the environment and how our collective action as its stewards can make a positive impact in the wellness of our planet.  

As the wellness partner of Filipino families, Nestlé Philippines will also be bringing the Family Wellness Festival to Makati City and Caloocan City in August to help educate thousands more. Pre-registration is now open via Barangaynestle.com.ph for these next two festivals.  

Nestle Family Wellness Festival kick-off in Quezon Memorial Circle, Quezon City last July 15, 2023.

Our Nestle Family Wellness Festival Experience

Ricci enjoys free taste from Milo.

Maggi Sarap Sustansya Cooking Demo

Bike Shredder by Green Antz

Last stop.

We visited the booth selling Nestle products.  There is an on-going promotion that for every P200 pesos spent, you will get 1 raffle stub. We bought Bear Brand 840 grams., Milo sachet 1 dozen, 1 box of Milo Whole grain. Nescafe Creamy White (but 10 get 1 promo), Nescafe Classic (buy 42 get 6 promo). With all these items, I think I received 3 or 4 raffle stubs. So just filled up the stub and put it in the drop box. Fingers cross :)

Guess what? When we got home, yours truly received a text message that I won some prize/s.  Yahooo!!!

Thank you Nestle Philippines, for this opportunity to attend and experienced the Nestle Family Wellness Festival 2023. We had so much fun as we joined, lined up, and tried different activities and mini-games during the said Festival.

Until next time!

LEGO City Adventures: Build and Protect

How to play and learn with these unlimited games online

In this digital world, what other things can you do in your free time other than watching your favorite movies, tv series, hovering over your social media apps, and watching yt shorts videos or reels? Some will say online reading. But for me, killing time while having fun is the way to go. That’s why playing some games online will do the trick!

As a working individual, I ensure that my job for the day is always finished and completed. Ideally, most of the time I spent is focused primarily on the duties and responsibilities assigned to me in an organization that I work for. If this your typical day-to-day looks like, I would say it's kinda meh! I know it feels more like a boring routine, tiresome even. And If you were like me, I’m sure you're looking for something to fill the gap, get energized and hooked even for just a little while.

As I said earlier, I played games, most particularly online games. I tried searching online and as a LEGO fan this one catches my attention -  LEGO City Adventures Build and Protect Game: Free Online City Building. I played LEGO at home and this time, I want to try it playing online. 

I launch the game easily without any ads.  By the way, I use an Android phone and start playing the game right away. So basically, I just started to meet the characters, for some introductions, and rules.

In LEGO City Adventures Build and Protect. I helped Mayor Solomon Fleck build a LEGO city using various buildings which earn tax revenues that can be spent to help build out the rest of the city. Aside from the Mayor, I also met other characters like Sergeant Sam Grizzled and Lieutenant Duke Detain from the police station, and Chief Freya McCloud from the Fire department.

Money fund (lower left on the screen) needed to dig minipieces of LEGO bricks(lower left on the screen)

The city has six zones or districts. Each zone needs to have 25 buildings for you to build. And you will have an initial fund of 1,000 coins and 300 coins for digging hidden LEGO bricks mini pieces which can be used to build unique building types available in each zone. 

Houses, restaurants, cafes, shops, banks, post offices, factories, libraries, ice cream shops, and shopping centers, are some of the examples of building types found in each zone. The   zones or districts to unlock the city by filling each zone with 25 buildings namely: : 

1. Downtown

2. Borough

3. Suburbia

4. Middletown

5. Uptown

6. Metropolis

Each zone has different and own unique LEGO pieces and building types. Meaning there is no duplicate and repetitive structures. You need to complete the Downtown first and unlock the next zone and so on.

How it works?

With the initial fund allocated, you need to dig for hidden mini pieces which can be used to build unique building types available in each zone. 

 

You will notice from the blueprints, there are "green" and "x" marks.  Once Green means you found the right LEGO bricks for the building you're looking for.  You can select this and put it in the zone. The "x" marks mean you still need to dig further to find the missing pieces. 

The mandatory requirement of each zone it to have at least one police office and fire department in order to protect the citizens.

Downtown is the first zone or district that you need to built 25 buildings on it.

After you filled it up, a new zone/district will open. There will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate this achievement.

A new set of buildings will display once the new zone is unlocked. Start digging again to find those LEGO bricks / minipieces and build in your site.

How to earn from and keep your money to fund your city?

Playing LEGO City Adventures Build and Protect Game: Free Online City Building is a category of Real Estate Games in this Money Games available online.

Thank you for reading my blog and feel free to leave comments.

Find something great for your dad with UNIQLO this Father’s Day

In celebration of Father’s Day this June, UNIQLO celebrates Filipino dads with LifeWear, showcasing pieces that best fit their everyday lifestyles.

UNIQLO offers a variety of clothing that fit different dad’s personalities, whether they may be active and enjoy exercising and the outdoors or like to do more laidback activities. Everyone is sure to find the perfect LifeWear piece that complement their interests and sense of style. Designed to make everyone’s life better, UNIQLO’s LifeWear are simple and high-quality pieces with a practical sense of beauty, making it the perfect gift this Father’s Day.

The Sporty Dad. This type of dad lives and breathes sports. He is either focused on watching his favorite games or goes out to the basketball or golf courts to get in the sport himself. The AIRism Short Sleeve Polo Shirt paired with the Ultra Stretch DRY-EX Jogger Pants are the perfect pieces to keep him cool and comfortable as he pursues his active lifestyle.

The Classy Dad. This dad always looks well-put together, gravitating towards clean pieces that he can take from work to casual activities with family. Consider gifting him UNIQLO’s versatile Smart Ankle Pants that pairs well with just about anything.

The Chill Dad. This dad values comfort over everything, preferring simple pieces that compliment his laid-back lifestyle. The AIRism Cotton Crew Neck Oversized T-shirt and AirSense Shorts are pieces that he can wear as he spends casual weekend afternoons out with the family.

The Outdoorsy Dad. This dad thrives in the outdoors. You’ll always see him going for a run or bike early in the morning. He’s also game to go on hiking and camping trips on the weekends together with family and friends. The DRY-EX UV Protection Full-Zip Hoodie or the Pocketable UV Protection Parka are the perfect pieces that he can conveniently take to his trips, with the product features designed to protect him from the elements, whether it be rain or shine.

Aside from offering a wide range of items that cater to every personality type, UNIQLO also presents other surprises that are sure to make your Father’s Day celebration extra special. With a minimum receipt purchase of Php 3,000 from June 16 to 18 in stores and online, you can receive a voucher for gas discounts at Shell (Php 3 off per liter for FuelSave Diesel and V-Power Diesel; and Php 4 pesos off per liter for FuelSave Gasoline, V-Power Gasoline and V-Power Racing.)

UNIQLO will also offer exclusive Father’s Day activities as part of its efforts to foster a stronger sense of community. Enjoy an exciting game of indoor golf putting with any purchase at the UNIQLO Manila Flagship Store in Glorietta 5 from June 16 to 18. You also get a chance to take home prizes from Dove Men at the pachinko corner from June 16 to 18 located in the following stores: Nuvali Roadside, Blue Bay Walk, Alabang Westgate, Marquinton Roadside, Evia and Ayala Malls Manila Bay. You can redeem a round of games with any in-store purchase.

Treat your dad now to an unforgettable Father’s Day celebration with UNIQLO! For more details, check out www.uniqlo.com/ph/en/ and follow UNIQLO Philippines on Facebook, and @uniqlophofficial on Instagram and Tiktok.